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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I can't believe it, the Go! St. Louis 1/2 Marathon is only 11 days away. I started training for this race back in November and I remember thinking that April 11th seemed like this date that didn't even really exist. Well, it's almost here. This training has been like a roller coaster ride to say the least. I started out barely being able to run an entire mile without stopping to walk. Now, I can run continuously for 9 miles without stopping to walk. I've taken my pace from 11 minute miles to 9:35 minute/miles. Those are some of the high points. The low points are my injuries. I've struggled off and on with shin splints throughout the entire training. First it was my right leg. Now that I am almost healed on my right leg, my left leg has decided to act up. The pain in my left leg is pretty severe right now. It's definitely testing my patience and strength. Since I'm a first time 1/2 marathon runner, I am very fearful of missing a run. I'm worried that I won't have what it takes to make it all 13.1 miles next Sunday. So, having to rest right now is down right depressing. I'm not the only one dealing with injuries, which does make me feel a little better. Misery loves company, right? My friends Carrie and Candace are both dealing with knee and foot problems, respectively. The kicker of this is, we were all in pretty good shape before starting the training. I honestly thought that this would be difficult, but I never thought I'd deal with so much injury along the way. It's been great however, and I am so glad that I did decide to take on this challenge. I've learned to overcome weakness and pain, and those are life lessons that are valuable beyond words.

So, I must keep my eyes on the prize. While I haven't set out to break any world records at this race, I have set some goals for myself.

1. Finish the Race! (Most Important Goal!)

2. Have fun.

3. Enjoy the moment for what it is worth. Who knows, this could be the only 1/2 marathon I ever run (doubtful, but I need to see if my body can recover from this first!)

First of all, I must apologize for neglecting the blog. It has been a busy few months at the Feldt house! To catch everyone up, 2010 started off pretty quiet for us. We had a wonderful Christmas with family, spent New Year's with friends and then fell right back into our normal routine. Here's a little update on everyone:

Joey just finished his 10 week indoor soccer season. I am so proud to report that they finished as the CHAMPIONS of their division. This is a HUGE accomplishment, considering that last year they finished 4th place in the same division. Chris was the team coach again, and I'm pretty sure he is more excited about the championship than Joey! He is getting all the players trophies to show them how proud he is of them! Joey is still enjoying 1st grade, and he is doing fantastic. The only thing he still needs are his 2 front teeth!

Andrew is still enjoying Pre-K. I am happy to report that he has been "officially" accepted into Immaculate Conception school for kindergarten this fall. Since Joey already attends, we had a pretty good chance of getting a spot, but there are never any guarantees. Andrew is growing up so fast. We spent the afternoon discussing all of the "big boy things" that he can do. They include, cleaning his room, taking a shower, brushing his teeth and folding towels. He also just learned to ride his bike without training wheels! I swear, this child is the most mature 5 year old I've ever known. There is a part of me that is really going to miss him this fall when he is in school all day!

Chris is doing great! He is still enjoying work at Certainteed. When not working he spends most of his time as coach of Joey's soccer and baseball teams. He received some bad news when he was told that he couldn't be the "head coach" of Andrew's baseball team this summer since he is the head coach of Joey's team. He still thinks he can pull it off, but I am the reasonable one and know that the games will over lap and that it will be impossible for him to coach both teams. On a personal front, Chris is getting ready to attend the Christ Renews His Parish retreat at our church this weekend (March 27/28). This is a wonderful experience at our church that I am so excited for him to participate in. After the 2 day retreat, he will attend weekly meetings, called "formation" to deepen the experience. I have been praying for almost 2 years that Chris would feel God calling him to this experience. God is Good and my prayers are answered!

Well, and to update on myself. I am running. I feel like all I do is RUN. I do love it, but it hasn't been easy. I only have 3 weeks left of training before the big race on April 11. I feel pretty confident to say that I am ready! I am also ready to be done training! I have been plagued with so much injury throughout this training. First it started with a horrible shin splint in my right leg. That has gotten better (not healed) but now I've developed an irritated tendon in my right ankle. The tendon itself doesn't hurt, but it has aggravated a nerve that DOES hurt. Luckily for me, my neighbor, Ann Wilson, is a podiatrist. She has helped me tremendously with my recent injury. I am currently running in an ankle brace, and it is helping so much. You should see me when I run, I have a compression sleeve and an ankle brace. It's hilarious! Once the race is over, I am going to take some time off and let my body heal. The idea of taking time off makes me nervous, but I know my body needs it. Heck, my liver and stomach need a break from all the advil I am taking, lol! I also need a break from training. Although I only run 3 or 4 days a week, I am working out at least 6 days a week right now for this 1/2 marathon training. It is quite a commitment. My house is suffering the most, and for those of you who know me well, you know how much I despise my house being dirty.

One thing I can say is that I have completely surprised myself with how much I have come to love running. I am averaging 15-20 miles a week, and it makes me feel so good! If my body is able to heal properly, I am hoping to run the Lewis and Clark 1/2 Marathon in October. But, I need to get thru this 1/2 marathon on April 11th first!

Well, I think this post is long enough. I'm hoping that I can make blogging more of a priority now that I'm nearly finished training for the race! Until next time.....Peace!

What I'm Currently...

About Me

I am wife to Chris, mother to Joey and Andrew. I am on this journey called life with Christ in the driver's seat (although I tend to be the annoying backseat driver at times). I love spending time with my family and friends as well as a glass of wine and a good book!